This Week's Video Golf Lesson - The Pitch

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This Week's Golf Tip - by Kevin Ferrarotti, Owner of the Premier Golf Academy

SET UP

            We all hope it happens at least once a round.  You put the tee in the ground, and hope when you make contact with the ball; it ends up right where you want it to go.  Our problem persists, however, by not knowing how to repeat that classic “perfect swing”.  The secret, however, is our perfect swing simply begins with a perfect set-up.  Remember that by aligning our body and our clubface square and on-line to the target, if we hit it correctly, the ball will go exactly where we “hope” it will go.  Our alignment however, is just one piece of the puzzle.  With a correct neutral grip, we can now set-up to the ball. 

Whether you are hitting a driver off the tee box, or chipping around the green, having a correct set-up is essential.  A perfect set-up always includes two important parts: posture and balance.  Perfect posture means that no matter what the shot, you are comfortable over the ball, and are in an athletic position.  Since golf is a sport and golfers are athletes, it goes without saying that all athletes must “look the part”.  To do this, first, relax.  Tension is the #1 killer in all golf swings.  When addressing your ball, your spine should be angled in such a way that your shoulders should be right over the top of your toes.  A good way to test this is by getting into position, and taking your right arm off of the club and let it hang freely.  If you let your right arm swing loosely, it will come right back to your club.  With this, bend your knees just enough to reach our second point  of discussion: balance. 

Without balance, it is guaranteed our perfect swing will fail.  Our weight should be centered over the soles of your feet, and your feet should be spread accordingly:

-          For chips, pitches, and your low irons (8,9) your feet should be closer than shoulder width apart.

-          For your mid-irons (5-6-7) your feet should be shoulder width apart.

-          For your long-irons and woods, your feet should be wider than shoulder width apart, because with the increased shaft length means increased stability. 

Balance also comes with swinging within your limits.  A controlled tempo golf swing will incorporate balance, so know your limits.  Practice this set-up in front of a mirror, with and without a club.  Good exercise programs and proper practice techniques will help you develop and maintain a sound swing! 

Golf tips are provided by Golf Professional Kevin Ferrarotti.  Kevin is the General Manager and Director of Golf at the Sports Domain in Winsted, CT; Owner of the Premier Golf Academy; and Assistant Golf Professional at Great River Golf Club in Milford, CT.  Kevin combines proper practice with proper fitness regiments to hone each player’s swing.  

Golf in the Business World  by Professional Golf Champion Mike Colandro

Client Golf Outings

Client Golf Outings are a day on the links with either business associates or customers.  I have performed at many Client Golf Outings, and since 1985, started a business in Australia offering my service to play with me.  To have a Pro on the course with your clients can really make a difference to that client.  For 3 VIP’s or clients to play alongside a professional golfer is an impressive aspect and can enhance your relationship with your guests.

Corporate Outings

Corporate Outings do a similar thing and most companies have one.  I have worked for companies such as:  BMW, IBM, Toshiba, Ford, Sheraton Hotels, Toyota, Genworth Financial, and many more.  Most Corporate Outings are a full day (18 holes) and a dinner with prizes and more.  The chance to bring many different people together for one day is now essential for most businesses.  One of my most interesting Corporate Outings I was involved in was in Adelaide, South Australia for Toshiba.  It was their annual sales meeting, and the night before, they had a gala dinner and awards presentation.  They even flew in from Japan a giant container of Saki and everyone had a drink or two.  The next day on the course there were a few heavy heads, but they all enjoyed both the evening and the golf.

Charity Golf Days

The Charity Golf Day is another very common event that many businesses get involved with.  Whatever the charity is, it is a good function to do for your company and it enhances your company’s image.  Each community has several Charity Golf Days to raise funds and have a good time doing it.  You can just play in it or you can be a sponsor.  As a sponsor, you usually receive a sign on a hole or a banner, and if you are a major sponsor, you get greater exposure.  The Charity Events are a great way to network in your local community and usually a tax write off. 

Networking on the Course

Being involved with a PGA Tour event is great, but it can be very expensive, and there are alternative ways to spend less money and still entertain clients.  Networking at the golf course is proving to be a great vehicle to acquire new business.  The key here is to become a golfer who can play a respectable game.  Whether you are new to the game or been playing a while, one needs to take some lessons.  Select an instructor who is similar in size and is someone who has been teaching for at least 5 years.  Professionals at practice ranges can be very productive because teaching is their main source of income and they need to get results.  Learning good golf etiquette is also important; business associates can tell how you handle yourself on the course and relate your actions to how you might handle a customer.  You should dress well and have a set of clubs that suit you.  Custom clubs are a big thing today, and I recommend getting clubs that fit you. 

Contact CTGolfTips for more information on how to use these events to your advantage